THE BEST IN BEAUTY FROM THOSE WHO KNOW BEST

VIOLET GREY began with our search for the best eyelash curler. To find the answer, we formed a band of inside-Hollywood experts and editors — from makeup artists to movie stars — to test every eyelash curler against our rigorous set of standards (the VIOLET CODE). We tested on film sets, on red carpets, and in the back of Jack Nicholson’s limousine — and once we learned which curler would make our lashes curve and not crimp (Utowa, it’s from Japan), we moved on to mascara, lip stain, dry shampoo, and everything else a girl needs in her cosmetic wardrobe. On any given day, we are discovering, testing, and approving best-in-class beauty. The result is a discerning curation of products, tips, and inspiration deemed essential — the Industry’s Beauty Edit.

kristina holey x
marie veroniqueserums

Presenting three efficacious serums that will strengthen and rebuild your skin.

Written By JAYME CYK

WHY IT CAUGHT OUR EYE

To maintain a healthy digestive system, you need be mindful of what you put into your body. To fully function throughout the day, you need sleep (hopefully 6 to 8 hours). To stay balanced and attentive, moderate exercise is not a bad idea. And to achieve next-level skin, you need this trio of all-natural, non-toxic serums—each newly approved by The Violet Code—from Kristina Holey x Marie-Veronique.

The serums are the joint brainchild of San Francisco esthetician Kristina Holey and Berkeley-based skin care expert Marie-Veronique Nadeau, who realized that many of their clients’ concerns could be traced back to compromised barrier function on the skin’s surface. Thus, the two women teamed up to create three serums, all of which are laser-focused on rebuilding the skin. “These three products address conditions that we find to be more prevalent than ever, such as adult onset acne, dermatitis, especially perioral and seborrheic, rosacea, and so on,” says Holey. “We knew there was an absence of products addressing these issues in the skin care industry—that is, natural products whose development originated from the angle of investigating sources rather than simply alleviating symptoms.”

Each serum (Barrier Restore,Soothing B3, and Intensive Repair) contains ingredients that are biomimetic, meaning that they imitate the skin’s own processes for maintaining health. The Intensive Repair Serum includes BHAs and AHAs to clear congestion, and niacinamide to calm skin. The Soothing B3 Serum contains 10% niacinamide to curb inflammation, plus panthenol to counter redness and inhibit oxidative damage. And the Barrier Restore Serum utilizes ceramides and hyaluronic acid to keep skin dewy and wrinkle-free. “You can use them separately, depending on your current skin conditions [or all together],“ says Nadeau. “There are some processes that are overlooked in the skin care industry—for example, barrier function. Skin problems usually arise from a deficiency in key nutrients and ingredients the skin needs for proper functioning.”

THE ARTIST RESPONSE

“There isn’t one product I’ve used that can impart such a glow without any greasiness at all. I love wearing the Barrier Restore Serum and Soothing B3 Serum on top of a few drops of oil at night because everyone asks me if I’ve just had a facial. The Intensive Repair Serum is a product I keep in my bathroom, in my travel kit, and in my makeup suitcase. I put it on when I fear a breakout is brewing, on full-fledged breakouts, and on skin that’s been in situations where breakouts are likely to occur. The key part of it’s magic is that it doesn’t dry skin out.” —Katey Denno, Makeup Artist